This event brings together two groups dedicated to serving the community, all while raising support for important local funds held at the Grand Rapids Area Community Foundation (GRACF). Proceeds from the evening will benefit the Jim Gibeau Memorial Scholarship Fund, which provides scholarships to local students, and the Jayme “Rooster” Williams Memorial Fund, which supports youth and firearm safety education.

Admission to the event is free, and attendees are encouraged to make a free will offering to support these funds. In addition to the game, the evening will feature raffles, a 50/50 drawing, and food and beverages available for purchase by Rapids Brewing.

Those who are unable to attend but would still like to support these funds may donate directly through the Grand Rapids Area Community Foundation at gracf.org, or by mailing or dropping off a check to 350 NW 1st Avenue, Suite E, Grand Rapids, MN 55744.

Whether you’re cheering for team law enforcement or team firefighters, your support helps strengthen the community and invest in the next generation.

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Most recently, Shreve served as Senior Manager of Communications and Marketing at American Engineering Testing (AET) out of St. Paul, MN, where she led the company’s marketing strategy and corporate communications initiatives. Her work strengthened brand presence, expanded digital marketing capabilities, and streamlined internal communication channels across the organization.

Before her time in the engineering sector, Shreve helped build Lake and Company into a multi-state retail and media brand. As Co-Founder and Vice President of Retail, she oversaw the expansion into multiple storefronts and helped shape the company’s creative voice. She also contributed as a writer for both regional and national publications.

Shreve’s earlier career includes leadership roles with various brands, where she managed large teams, opened new markets, and developed customer-focused marketing strategies that supported growth and strengthened brand identity.

Shreve is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin–Madison with a B.A. in Communication Arts, and has been active in community and professional organizations, including serving on the Grand Rapids Area Community Foundation board. She lives in Grand Rapids with her husband, Dan Shreve, and 4 kids: Adriana, Lucy, Ryan, and Timmy. Kelly is also the proud step-mom to Dan’s 2 adult children, Jack and Greta, and dog mom to the family’s rescue dog, Granger.

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This community-driven event brings together women who want to make an immediate and meaningful impact. The concept is simple: one hundred or more women each donate $100, pooling their contributions to raise at least $10,000 in a single evening for a local nonprofit.

At the event, attendees may nominate a nonprofit they are passionate about, though nominations are optional. Nominators should be prepared to give a brief two- to three-minute overview of the organization’s mission and impact. Three nonprofits will be randomly selected from the nominations, and after hearing the presentations, attendees will vote. The nonprofit receiving the most votes will receive the entire collective donation raised that evening.

The biannual event in October exceeded expectations, raising more than $36,000. KAXE / KBXE received the collective donation of over $18,000, and an anonymous matching gift was directed to the Itasca Area Cancer Crisis Fund.

“This event is a powerful reminder of what can happen when women come together with a shared purpose,” said Mindy Nuhring, Executive Director of the Grand Rapids Area Community Foundation. “In just one hour, we can raise significant support for a local nonprofit and strengthen the spirit of generosity in our community. It’s a very uplifting event.”

Women of all ages and backgrounds are invited to attend—whether to nominate a nonprofit or simply participate in the giving process. In addition to supporting local causes, the event offers an opportunity to connect with other women who care about making a difference in the Itasca area.

For more information or to explore sponsorship opportunities, contact the Grand Rapids Area Community Foundation at 218-999-9100/info@gracf.org or follow 100+ Women Who Care – Itasca Area on Facebook. Attendees are encouraged to register in advance through the Facebook page.

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In the Foundation’s 2025 grant cycle, ElderCircle, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping older adults remain active, independent, and connected within their homes and communities, was awarded a $25,000 grant through GRACF’s annual grant cycle to support its work with older adults in the region.

ElderCircle programs support aging with dignity, independence, and connection across Itasca, Koochiching, and northern St. Louis counties. Participation in their Adult Day and In-home services, Assisted Transportation and Chore programs has steadily grown, and volunteers continue to be the backbone of their services. ElderCircle is seeing increased engagement in their companionship and wellness offerings, demonstrating the strong commitment our region has to uplifting and caring for older adults. ElderCircle’s expanded Community Health Worker capabilities will be rolling out this year – helping address a gap in area services.

“ElderCircle’s work reflects the compassion, connection, and generosity that already run strong in our area. The Community Foundation’s annual grant cycle support helps us continue programs that honor the dignity and independence of older adults. This investment grows what is already working in our community — neighbors supporting neighbors, and people stepping up every day to ensure our elders feel valued and connected,” states Nick Adams, ElderCircle Executive Director.

Mindy Nuhring, Executive Director of GRACF, noted that many grants, including this one to ElderCircle, are made possible through the generosity of donors who have established funds at the Foundation and donate to local nonprofits through the GRACF grant cycle.

To learn more about ElderCircle and its programs, visit www.eldercircle.org. For more information about the Grand Rapids Area Community Foundation, visit www.gracf.org or call (218) 999-9100.

PHOTO:  Jennine Engen, Desi Benson, Mindy Nuhring of GRACF, Nick Adams, Front row: Amy Retzlaff, Jami Krumm, Back row: Kasey McCarroll, Lori Whitted

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Because of the strong response and readiness of local organizations, the opportunity was filled on a first-come, first-served basis. The participating nonprofits are United Way of 1000 Lakes, Community Cafe, Northern Community Radio/KAXE, MacRostie Art Center, Children’s Discovery Museum, Grace House of Itasca County, Northland Counseling Center, and the Grand Rapids Area Soccer Club.

Each organization has an endowed fund at the Community Foundation and is eligible to receive up to $25,000 in matching funds by raising $25,000 in new gifts to their endowment. This dollar-for-dollar match will help build permanent assets that generate annual income to support each organization’s mission for years to come. Matching funds will be available for gifts made now through December 31, 2027.

According to the 2024 Itasca County Transfer of Wealth Study conducted by University of Minnesota Extension, an estimated $539 million will transfer between generations in Itasca County over the next 10 years. Capturing even a small portion of those assets through charitable giving could create lasting support for local nonprofits.

“This matching opportunity is about preparing for the future,” said Mindy Nuhring, Executive Director of GRACF. “Endowments help ensure that the organizations serving our community today will continue to have resources to do their important work for generations to come.”

Community members interested in supporting any of these organizations are encouraged to make a gift to that organization’s endowment fund through the Grand Rapids Area Community Foundation. You can donate online at gracf.org and select the endowment fund’s name.  Or you can mail or drop off a check to GRACF at 350 NW 1^st Avenue, Suite E, Grand Rapids, Minnesota 55744.

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The Greenway Area Community Fund Advisory Committee is excited to surpass $100,000 in grants in 2026!   What began as a vision to create a permanent source of local support has grown into a meaningful, lasting investment in the people and places that make this community special.

Each year, the Fund’s advisory committee, who are local volunteers who care deeply about the Greenway area, has the privilege of reviewing thoughtful proposals that reflect both the proud traditions and evolving needs of the community. From supporting youth programs and enhancing community spaces to assisting local nonprofits with innovative ideas, the impact of these grants continues to ripple across generations.

The strength of the Greenway Area Community Fund lies in its endowment. Because it is permanently invested, the Fund generates earnings each year that are granted back to the community—ensuring that today’s generosity will continue to support the Greenway area for decades to come.

Eligible applicants include nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations serving the Greenway area or other organizations that have programs or projects that will support the Greenway area.

Applications are available online at https://www.greenwayareacommunityfund.com/ and must be submitted by March 31, 2026. The application can be made available in alternative formats upon request.  For additional information or assistance with the application process, please contact John Saccoman at jsaccoman14@gmail.com.

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The Grand Rapids Area Community Foundation (GRACF) is pleased to announce a new matching opportunity designed to strengthen six local Community Funds and ensure long-term support for the communities they serve.

Participating funds include the Deer River Area Community Fund, Greater Itasca Area Community Fund, Greenway Area Community Fund, Hill City Area Community Fund, Nashwauk Area Community Fund, and the newly established Remer Area Community Fund.

Through a recent grant from the Blandin Foundation, each participating Community Fund has the opportunity to raise up to $50,000 over the next two years. Every dollar raised will be matched dollar-for-dollar – up to $50,000 – by the Grand Rapids Area Community Foundation, permanently increasing each fund’s endowment and the annual grants it can provide to local projects and nonprofits.

The match period runs from now through December 31, 2027, and all gifts received during that timeframe will count toward the goal.

Why do Community Funds matter?  Community Funds are permanent endowments created by and for the people of a specific community. Gifts are invested for long-term growth, and a portion of the earnings is granted out each year to support local needs—parks and playgrounds, youth programs, community events, emergency needs, arts and culture, and more. The five existing Community Funds have granted back almost $900,000 in grants to their communities since many were established in 2017, and increasing their endowments will allow them to increase this annual granting.

These funds are guided by local advisory committees who understand their community’s priorities and help recommend grants annually. Because the funds are endowed, they provide a steady, reliable source of support – forever.

Over time, even modest gifts can grow into meaningful community impact. What often begins with neighbors asking, “What can we do to make our community more vibrant?” can become a permanent source of local pride and possibility.

This matching opportunity comes at a significant moment. Research from the University of Minnesota Extension shows that $539 million is expected to be transferred between generations in Itasca County over the next 10 years and $2.85 billion over the next 50 years. This “transfer of wealth” represents one of the greatest opportunities in our lifetime to ensure that local assets remain invested in the communities where they were earned.  Capturing just 5% of the 10-year transfer of wealth would create over $26.9 million in new endowments.  Over 20 years, this endowment creation could support grantmaking of over $32.1 million.

Community Funds provide a simple and powerful way for community members – past and present – to leave a lasting legacy. Whether through current gifts, memorials and honorariums, or estate plans, donors can help ensure their hometown continues to thrive for generations to come.

“This is a significant opportunity for our communities,” said Mindy Nuhring, Executive Director of the Grand Rapids Area Community Foundation. “With the match in place, every gift made to a participating Community Fund will be doubled, immediately increasing the long-term impact for that community.”

How to Give

Community members are encouraged to begin contributing now to help their local Community Fund reach its $50,000 goal. Gifts of all sizes are welcome and will be matched during the two-year period.

To learn more about the Community Funds, visit the Area Funds page at gracf.org/area-funds through the Grand Rapids Area Community Foundation website. There, you can view Advisory Committee members and learn more about each fund’s impact. You can also visit greenwayareacommunityfund.com or nashwaukfund.org websites directly. Or you can email info@gracf.org or call 218-999-9100.

To make a gift to any of the Community Funds, simply go to gracf.org and select the name of the fund you wish to support. Donations may also be mailed or delivered to: GRACF, 350 NW 1st Avenue, Suite E, Grand Rapids, MN 55744 – please mention the specific Community Fund on your donation.  You can also deliver donations directly to a specific Community Fund Advisory Committee.  More information will be coming on each Community Fund so watch for that!

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GRACF offers more than 100 scholarships totaling over $300,000 each year, helping students of all backgrounds take the next step in their education.

Whether you’re a high school senior, a current college student, or a nontraditional learner pursuing vocational, technical, or certification programs, there’s likely a scholarship opportunity for you. With just one simple online application, you’ll automatically be considered for all scholarships you’re eligible for.

Don’t wait until the last minute – start your application today at gracf.org and click Apply for Scholarships.

Questions? Call 218-999-9100 or email info@gracf.org.

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The post Exciting news! first appeared on Grand Rapids Community Foundation.

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Tamarack Water Alliance is a volunteer-based organization made up of Minnesota residents and landowners working together to protect water resources through public education and community outreach. The Alliance’s current work centers on increasing awareness of the risks of sulfide mining, including potential impacts to drinking water, fisheries, and regional ecosystems. They also work to counter misinformation, foster respectful dialogue, and connect with other communities facing similar concerns across Minnesota, the Midwest, and beyond.

A strong emphasis of Tamarack Water Alliance’s work includes protecting wild rice and supporting the Treaty Rights established in the 1855 and 1854 treaties between the Anishinaabe and the United States Government.

With no paid staff, contributions to the Tamarack Water Alliance Fund support direct educational efforts such as participation in community festivals and events, public presentations, monthly informational Zoom calls, newsletters, media engagement, and other outreach activities designed to keep community members informed and engaged.

Donations to the Tamarack Water Alliance Fund at the Grand Rapids Area Community Foundation are tax-deductible and may also be made through Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs) from an IRA.  You can donate online at gracf.org and select Tamarack Water Alliance, or mail or send a check to GRACF at 350 NW 1^st Avenue, Suite E, Grand Rapids, Minnesota 55744. Gifts may also be mailed directly to Tamarack Water Alliance, PO Box 1, Tamarack, MN 55787.

Those interested in learning more about Tamarack Water Alliance are encouraged to visit the organization’s website tamarackwateralliance.org.  Your support helps ensure continued education, informed dialogue, and the protection of water resources for current and future generations.

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